Date:         Mon, 2 May 2005 10:07:27 -0500
Reply-To:     rrecardo@WEBTV.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Cardo <rrecardo@WEBTV.NET>
Subject:      Re: Replacing metal coolant hoses with copper?
Comments: To: TJ Hannink <tjhannink@YAHOO.COM>
In-Reply-To:  TJ Hannink <tjhannink@YAHOO.COM>'s message of Mon, 2 May 2005
              07:27:35 -0700
Content-Type: Text/Plain; Charset=US-ASCII

Tim,

Every vehicle you see on the road             ( including your's) has
steel brake, fuel, and if applicable coolant lines.

The reason being is the steel won't fracture as the copper lines do.

Other than a 1948 McCormick Deering farm tractor I have never seen any
vehicle use copper for fuel.

It's dangerous.
Brake lines will swell as the pressure is applied.

Very unsafe.

I just had a conversation with a friend who just did a frame off resto
on a 51 Ford PU for his dad.

His dad wanted copper lines to the carb's, because all cars on the road
used this.

He had a fit--I said he was out of  his mind, and sure enough the fuel
lines were leaking at the flares at the carbs.

Steel lines replaced them quickly.

Propane is a different animal, and copper is acceptable for some crazy
reason, as is the water lines to the sink.
( plastic flex line is better, and used in all heavy duty air, and fuel
lines in all class 6,7 8 trucks and busses )


If you don't believe me Tim, pick up the phone and get in touch with any
GM, Ford, VW, or any vehicle mfg. or even a FLAPS ( NAPA would be good )
and ask them why is a poor idea for brake and fuel lines, let alone
water coolant pipes with pressure on it.

I wouldn't use it anywhere where vibration is an issue.